How Class of 2027 Families Can Begin the College List Without Stress

Starting a college list can feel like staring at a blank page. With thousands of schools out there and pressure coming from every direction, it’s hard to know where to begin.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need to know everything to start. You just need to know your teen.

Start With Fit, Not Names

Before you think about which schools to put on the list, focus on what kind of schools might be a good fit. Ask questions like:

  • Does my teen do better in smaller or larger learning environments?

  • Do they want a big campus with school spirit, or something quieter?

  • Do they need support services, flexibility, or a strong exploratory major culture?

These questions help you narrow the field and avoid getting caught up in prestige or hearsay.

Explore Broadly, With Curiosity

Summer is a great time to:

  • Take virtual campus tours

  • Visit a couple of nearby colleges (even if they’re not top choices)

  • Attend an online info session

The goal is simply to get a sense of what’s out there. Think of it as a research phase.

Keep It Loose

Create a starter list of 8–10 schools. Don’t worry about finality. Label them in simple categories: “curious about,” “might visit,” “recommended by a friend.”

It’s a brainstorm, not a contract.

Avoid the Comparison Trap

Every list should look different. What works for someone else might not work for your teen—and that’s the point. The best college lists reflect a student’s personality, not their peer group.

You’re Not Late. You’re Just Starting.

If you begin building a list this summer, you’re already ahead of the game. You’re not making decisions, you’re setting up possibilities. That mindset shift makes all the difference.

Call to Action:

If you’d like help creating a balanced, personalized college list for your Class of 2027 student—without the stress—I’m here for you. Contact me at highperformanceacademics@gmail.com to learn more.

https://www.highperformanceacademics.com/ 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Preparing for College Visits: Making the Most of Campus Tours

Visiting college campuses is an exciting and crucial step in the college search process. These visits offer a firsthand look at the environment, culture, and resources that each college has to offer. At High Performance Academics, we believe that making the most out of campus tours can greatly influence your child's college decision. Here’s how to prepare effectively and what to focus on during these visits. 1.  Plan Ahead Effective preparation starts with careful planning. Here are some steps to ensure a successful campus visit: Schedule Visits Early:  Plan your visits well in advance, especially during the school year, to experience the campus in its regular routine. Aim to visit when classes are in session to get a true feel of the student life and academic atmosphere. Register for Tours:  Many colleges require advance registration for campus tours and information sessions. Check the college’s admissions website for tour schedules and sign up early to secure your spot....
Read more

10 Things Your Teen Wants You to Know About the College Process (But Won’t Say Out Loud)

They may not say much. Or anything. But if you’re the parent of a high school junior or senior, odds are your teen is  feeling  a lot—and keeping most of it to themselves. Here’s what they  wish  they could tell you about college, applications, and everything in between (with a little translation along the way): 1. “I’m overwhelmed—even when I don’t act like it.” They may seem indifferent, distracted, or “fine,” but that doesn’t mean they aren’t feeling the pressure. Between school, testing, and the constant talk of college, many teens are running on quiet stress. 2. “I have no idea where to start.” Most students don’t know how to begin a college search, write a personal statement, or figure out a testing timeline. But they won’t always ask for help—because they don’t want to look behind. 3. “Everyone around me seems like they’ve got it figured out.” Even the kids who look confident are comparing themselves to someone else. Your teen might feel like they’re the ...
Read more

Section 6: Addressing Antisemitism Concerns for Jewish Families

  A Growing Challenge in College Selection For Jewish families, the college admissions process now involves an additional critical consideration: the alarming rise in antisemitism on college campuses. Since October 7, 2023, there has been a shocking increase in antisemitic incidents in U.S. higher education, significantly impacting the college selection process for many Jewish students and their families. Understanding the Scope of Antisemitism Reports have highlighted a dramatic increase in incidents ranging from verbal harassment to acts of violence against Jewish students. This uptick is linked to broader ideological conflicts and anti-Zionist sentiments, adding layers of complexity to the college selection process for Jewish families. In recent times, Jewish families have faced a new challenge when navigating college admissions: the significant rise in antisemitism on campuses. Since October 7, 2023, there has been a startling increase in antisemitic incidents in U.S. higher ed...
Read more